Carlos On Web :: Blogging from Experience

How much does it cost to create a website? As a web developer, I often hear that same question over and over from business acquaintances I get into contact with. Some would like to build a business website, thinking that it is a cool thing to do. Others would think that building a website is much like typing a thesis paper on a word processor and therefore it should be easy and cheap. If you were to answer that question, what would your response be?

Three hundred thousand Pesos? Fifty thousand? Five thousand? One thousand? Just a cup of McDonald’s hot chocolate?

Any Web Developer worth his salt and who has been in the business of developing websites — or Web Applications for that matter — is aware that the first question raised above is actually incomplete. It doesn’t even give you a hint as to the nature of the project. So any figure you that you will come up with based on that question alone is in fact meaningless. But, on the side of the customer (the one asking for a price quotation), it is a good way of spotting the kind of web developer you are talking to – whether an amateur or a real professional.

“Hey Carlos, if you don’t come up with a figure right then and there, how will the client know if he will hire you to do the project or find someone else?”

Thanks for asking and you have a good point. First, I don’t regret losing a client who doesn’t know what he is about to do. If I should be working WITH a client, I’d like to do it with someone who awards a project not on the basis of price alone, but on the benefits he will derive in knowing that he is working with a real problem solver. Second, as a web professional, I always make it a point to remember that I am also a consultant. It is my job to dissect what my client’s real needs are and offer a few suggestions. It could be free during the initial stage, I’d be glad to do that. Just because a client wants a business website doesn’t automatically mean that it is the perfect pill for him to shallow.

“So Mr. Consultant, how do you proceed?”

If you are new to Web Development Business, read carefully. I am about to share some priced possessions that I’ve been keeping in my treasure chest of wisdom learned from being a practicing web developer and software consultant. I am assuming here that you are dealing with a client who relies on you for guidance in showing him the right way to develop his website.

Here are the five points to remember:

Read the complete article »

Before I start throwing a few suggestions on how to jumpstart your freelance programming career, let me share bit of my own experience on how I started and became a freelance programmer.

The End is the Beginning is the End

Allow me to begin at the end. Circa April 2004.

The American founder of the Web Development team that I helped organize decided to call it quits… and it’s final. With about 13 months of existence, we are finally closing shop. All four Filipino programmers are forced to ask the inevitable question: What will you do next? It’s a question we keep asking each other. If you happen to be involved in such a situation, you would naturally ponder on that question, too.

Read the complete article »

“Can you create a clone of YouTube in PHP? How long will it take you to do it and how much do you charge?”

“I bought this JavaScript code that has built-in shopping cart. Now, what I want to do is convert it to PHP. My budget is $100. Are you interested?”

“I am forming a company that would compete with Company X, but I need volunteer programmers with topnotch skills like yours. I can’t afford to pay you right now, but I do promise to give you a portion of the profit when we become successful. Care to join us on board?”

As a freelance programmer, you have probably been offered impressive-sounding or other downright stupid projects like the ones above. Over the years, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that not all projects and clients are worth investing my time. Here is my take on why you should avoid the trap.

Read the complete article »

I’ve seen people who jumped into a freelance career only to loose interest and go back into their default comfort zones: being employees again. There are many reasons why they “failed” as freelancers one of which is not knowing what it takes to be one. Deciding to be a freelancer is not only a matter of changing careers. It is an emotional investment that involves a change of mindset. It’s not an easy path to take. The road ahead is full of surprises. It is not for everyone.

This article is written for employees who want to venture into a freelance career, but not sure yet if this is for them. Knowing what it’s like to be a freelancer is always a good way of assessing before you actually jump into the freelance frying pan.

Here are five things to keep in mind before deciding for a freelance career. Check to see if freelancing is right for you.

Read the complete article »

As kids, we all have been asked that question. Teachers, parents and one thousand relatives are all fond of throwing that million-dollar challenge. Some would love to hear our funny replies over and over again. The serious ones would test us for our sense of future direction.

Do you still remember your answers? Let me guess what you wanted to be when you were a child.

1. Programmer?
2. Search Engine Optimizer?
3. Web Designer?
4. Linux Administrator?

Oh, I forgot. Those job titles probably did not exist way back then. Let me have another try.

1. Doctor?
2. Engineer?
3. Teacher?
4. Anything, but a teacher?

That power-packed question certainly brings to life a number of childhood dreams and memories. Would you care to join me for a short 10-minute travel back in time? And then for another 10 minutes, a fast-forward ride into the future!

Read the complete article »

When was the first time you ever saw a website? Cool, wasn’t it? Did you notice a change between the kind of websites so popular then versus the style of websites that are making big waves these days?

Hello, owner of a business website! Today I am talking to you. Let’s talk about your website, too.

I’ll ask a few questions and then you can answer me in silence or by using the feedback form provided with this article. The purpose really is to spot a number of craps that are
creeping into your website which you probably put there thinking they were cool but end-up hurting your business.

Don’t worry if at times I am harsh with my words and you are hurt with my comments. Personal attacks are not my intention. Let’s just say I am poor on vocabulary, but I want you to improve the quality of your website — is that a business website? — by pointing out the mistakes other people make on their websites, so that you can eliminate them on your own.

Read the complete article »

Are you a freelance programmer and wondering where to get your next business? Or do you want to be one, but don’t have the nerve to face some unknown challenges that await ahead?

Don’t loose heart. There is something for you just around the corner. If you are prepared and have the right mix of attitude and aptitude, you will always have businesses coming your way. And if you are lucky, you will come to the point when you will refuse some of them. If that happens, be generous with your fellow freelancers and pass on to them some of the projects overflowing from your side. Read the complete article »

One of you the ways you can provide interactivity to your website is by providing data entry forms where site visitors can send their orders, feedbacks, inquiries, subscriptions and the like. Forms are even more important in database-driven Web Applications. Can you imagine anything useful in a web application that doesn’t provide forms. Forms are primarily the main interface where users get to interact with an application.

In tutorial, you will learn how to handle HTML forms in PHP. I am assuming that you are thoroughly familiar with creating HTML Forms. Can you do it by hand without the aid of and HTML Editor? If not, be nice to your self and fire-up that DreamWeaver Icon you placed on your desktop and get ready to rock and roll.
Read the complete article »

This role offers the opportunity to be part of a large international ERP practice with high levels of skill and support in the SAP Business One product combined with the opportunity to extend your technical skills, increase leadership skills and participate in local and international business development activities.
Read the complete article »

DEL MONTE FRESH PRODUCE (PHILS.), INC. is in immediate need of a Davao-based Support Analyst. Position details:

• This position is responsible for the daily incident handling, escalation and documentation of various IT matters on a regional level.
• The ideal candidate should have 3-5 years experience as user support person preferably from a reputable company.
• Above average report writing and oral communication skills are essential.
• At least one year experience in Windows server administration, maintenance and network troubleshooting.
• Should have a predominantly positive character even under constant pressure.
• The ideal candidate should have a BS degree in Computer Engineering or related field.
• Experience as a call center technical support is preferred but not required.

Please forward your credentials (CODE: SUPPORT ANALYST) to

Human Resources, Del Monte Fresh Produce (Phils.) Inc.,
Powerhouse Bldg, Km. 9, Bo. Pampanga,
Davao City 8000

or e-mail to: JRatilla[at]Freshdelmonte[dot]com

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified for interview.